Former Minister and BJP MP representing Chamarajanagar Lok Sabha constituency V. Srinivas Prasad on Sunday joined the chorus against ropeway to Chamundi Hills.
Speaking to reporters in Mysuru, Mr. Prasad said any move to construct a ropeway posed a threat to Chamundi Hills and the environment.
Expressing his disapproval, Mr. Prasad said that ropeways were built only in valleys that are unsuitable for vehicular movement. “What is the need for a ropeway when one can reach the hill-top in 20 minutes?,” he questioned.
“Already, there are steps and a good road to the hill-top. What is the need for a ropeway,” he said. The Government should provide only basic amenities and not allow any unauthorised structures to come up on Chamundi Hills.
He said that the Minister in charge of Mysuru district S.T. Somashekar and Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai should be made to understand the ground realities of Chamundi Hills while adding that he had written to Mr. Bommai and made an appeal in this regard.
It may be mentioned here that Mr. Bommai’s announcement to build a ropeway to Chamundi Hills in the recent State Budget 2022-23 had sparked off a debate in Mysuru with environmentalists and other citizens groups voicing concern over the ropeway project.
The proposal to construct a ropeway to Chamundi Hills, however, is not new. The project was proposed about two decades ago, but was not implemented due to opposition from various quarters over environmental concerns.
Recently, Ms. Pramoda Devi Wadiyar from the erstwhile royal family of Mysuru too questioned the need the ropeway when people can reach the hill-top in 20 minutes by road.
She also opposed any move to commercialise the Chamundi Hills and urged the authorities against taking up construction of any commercial complex and kiosks.
While making out a case for conserving the natural environment of Chamundi Hills, Ms. Wadiyar also expressed concern over the expanding concrete jungle atop the hill and said only persons connected with the activities in the temple should be allowed to stay on Chamundi Hills.
A recent round table conference comprising environmentalists and representatives of citizens groups of Mysuru met under the aegis of Chamundi Betta Ulisi Horata Samithi to protect Chamundi Hills from projects that threatened its environment.
